Of course, pencil in Stephon Marbury at point guard and Tim Thomas at small forward. But three starting positions could be had – shooting guard, power forward and center.

The obvious competition is at SG with newcomer Jamal Crawford against Allan Houston. Wilkens said he’s unsure Houston’s knees will allow him to play the preseason schedule.

The other battles come up front. A fitter Vin Baker, coming off surgery to repair a rapid heartbeat, could give incumbent center Nazr Mohammed a run. Even if Kurt Thomas is not traded, second-year man Michael Sweetney just may challenge Thomas.

“I go into camp saying everything’s open,” Wilkens said. “Why do you handcuff yourself? Let’s go to camp and see what happens. When [Vin] goes to camp, he’s got to act like he’s the starting center. I’m anxious to see him because he looks in shape. He’s much trimmer than when he came to us.”

Sweetney, a fan favorite as a rookie because of his ferocious rebounding, progressed with a fantastic summer league, carrying a more chiseled frame. He’s why Isiah Thomas is shopping Kurt Thomas.

Isiah is finding that Kurt’s four-year contract extension makes him less attractive. There have been talks with Minnesota about Wally Szczerbiak. Thomas has five years left on his pact.

“They’re actively trying,” one GM said. “Part of the problem is that extension.”

Meanwhile, Sweetney could be this season’s sleeper.

“If you’re asleep against him, you’re in trouble,” Wilkens said. “He played well in the summer league. Don’t think people didn’t hear about it. He’s going to be one of our better guys, whether he comes off the bench or whatever.”

Though Houston won’t make assurances, Wilkens said he expects Houston to suit up for the Nov. 3 season debut in Minnesota. However, Wilkens said Houston will be brought along slowly.

Crawford is terrific insurance. When Houston went down late last season, Shandon Anderson, now buried, flopped.

“We didn’t have Allan in the playoffs,” Wilkens said. “Who was there who could really step into his spot? Last year, we didn’t have the depth we needed to have. We have a whole lot more depth now.”